phumdi played a myriad role in terms
of ecological aspects and livelihood
of the people as well. However, we
seldom realized the ecological and
cultural significance of the phumdi.
Comparatively, it can be considered
as an important ecosystem, sheltering
diverse form of life, down from
micro-organism up to higher animals.
It also played an important role in
sustaining a balanced ecosystem
by regulating the nutrient cycle
and ecological diversity apart from
providing recreational and aesthetic
value, and most importantly a source
of livelihood for the surrounding
dwellers. There are other few lakes in
the Manipur where the congregation
of phumdi are quite significance such
as the Pumlen pat and Laphu pat.
Yet, in the first instance, we relate
phumdi more to the floating island of
fisherman, unique circular in shape
and locally called “athaphum” of the
Loktak Lake than to its scientific
definition.Loktak Lake has been designated as awetland of International Importance
under Ramsar Convention in 1990.
Truly, the ecological features of
the lake, its species diversity and
mythological belief, and various other
cultural activities of the associated
people craft it more unique. Amongst
these various features of the Lake,
phumdi hold a significant place with
its distinctiveness. Phumdis of Loktak
Lake occupies about two-third of the
surface area of the lake and a part of
this of an area of 40 km^2 was declared
as the ‘Keibul Lamjao National Park’,neScholar 0 vol 4 0 issue 4 51
PHUMDI I NATURE